Bugni, 37, has served as curriculum and instruction supervisor for the Delta/Schoolcraft Intermediate School District in the Upper Peninsula since October 2011.

Bugni – pronounced “BOOG-nee” — said he is looking forward to what awaits him in Colon.

“What I noticed when I came down for the interview was whether I was walking along the sidewalk or driving through town, people would wave,” Bugni said. “It was a warm and welcoming feeling, and I am excited to be a part of the community.”

A graduate of Hemlock High School, Bugni previously served as a math and science teacher at Traverse City West High School for seven years after a three-year teaching stint at Arenac Eastern High School.

Bugni said after he noticed the posting for the Colon superintendent’s job, he did some research on the community. Bugni said the deeper he delved, the more the job appealed to him.

“It was pretty clear that Colon is a strong community deeply committed to its school district,” he said. “It has state-of-the-art buildings and a great future that I found myself really wanting to be a part of.”

Board President Ernie Baker said Bugni’s endorsement came after the board reviewed the merits of its two finalists, picked from an original list of seven candidates. Though he had reservations about Bugni having never served as a school superintendent, Baker said he sided with the majority as a show of support. Board member Wendell Grunner cast the dissenting vote, but has pledged to back Bugni now that the decision has been made, Baker said. Interim Superintendent Jay Newman will represent the district in negotiating terms of Bugni’s employment. The base salary will range between $95,000 and $105,000.

Baker said he would like to have Bugni on board by June 1 and spend some time working with Newman. Bugni’s availability, however, isn’t known yet. Although he remained nervous after the vote, Baker said it was a relief to finally identify the top candidate.

“I need to say that Mike Corey was a top-notch candidate and he has no idea how difficult of a choice this was for me and for the board,” Baker said. “Mesick schools are in great hands and I wish Mike nothing but the best.”

A key fact that swayed the board was feedback from the district’s students, administrators and teachers. Both candidates last month met with small groups representing each population. Baker said members from the three all indicated their preference for Bugni.

Page 2 of 2 - Furthermore, a few audience members addressed the board Monday and reiterated their support for Bugni.

Baker said the board has an obligation to provide Bugni the tools he’ll need to help the three-building district prosper. On the heels of a $15 million technology and building upgrade districtwide, the 640-student district has turned the corner and has a bright future, Baker said.

“We need to stand by Vic and recognize it’s our responsibility to make sure he understands our expectations,” Baker said. “To be fair to Lloyd, the board didn’t always hold up our end of that obligation and we need to make sure Vic and the board are on the same page.”